Authorities in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and arraignment of two suspects in connection with the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Nigerian national, Ayowale Aladejana, who was killed in his southeast London apartment.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed that both a man and a woman have been charged with murder, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.
“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report reads.
Police said the investigation was triggered after emergency services responded to a distress call regarding a stabbing at a residential address on Monson Road in New Cross. The call came in at around 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.
Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance also arrived at the scene. Despite their efforts, Ayowale was pronounced dead at the apartment.
Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”
A post-mortem examination carried out the following day confirmed that the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.
Authorities have also revealed that Ayowale’s family is being supported by trained liaison officers as the case proceeds through the judicial process.
